InNatural Antibiotics and Botanical Treatments: Heal Your Body, Heal Your Mind, Aruna M. Siewert introduces natural remedies and plant antibiotics that can help readers achieve physical and emotional well-being. The book shows readers different plant remedies that can support psychological conditions and how to treat minor infections without any side effects. The following excerpt is from Chapter 5, "Treating Common Ailments from A to Z."

The word "acne" is related to the Greek acme ("pinnacle," "peak"). The most common kind, Acne vulgaris (common acne), is the result of hormonal changes during puberty: during adolescence, pimples begin to pop up in nearly everyone. They become inflamed, begin to form pus and are often painful. Acne occurs mainly on the face but can also occur on the chest, back, neck, armpits and buttocks.

Sometimes, however, it goes beyond the occasional case, and many big, red and swollen pimples, including blackheads and whiteheads (or pustules), are present. This is called acne. It usually develops from inflamed sebaceous glands or hair follicles. Normally, the sebaceous glands prevent dehydration of the skin using a mixture of fat and proteins. But during adolescence, due to the state of changing hormones, too much sebum is often produced, clogging the exits, which can result in inflammation. The main cause is the hormone testosterone, which is produced in much larger amounts in males than in females. This is why boys are affected by acne more often than girls. Acne usually ends at around age 30.

Acne vulgaris — the mild, more common type of acne — does not require treatment. But when inflamed pimples become pus-filled, scab over and eventually develop into scars, it's time to take action.

Possible Complications:

Development of boils; risk of blood poisoning (sepsis). You should not pop pimples; bacteria could get into the wound.

Plant Remedies:

Put 1 to 3 drops of diluted tea tree oil onto a clean cotton pad. On clean, dry skin, dab the inflamed areas several times daily. Continue until you see a clear improvement.

Prepare a strong tea of equal parts marigold and oak bark. Dribble it onto a clean cotton pad and dab the affected areas multiple times daily until you see a clear improvement.

With a cotton pad, apply 1 drop propolis tincture to the affected areas.

Apply aloe vera gel to the affected areas.

Additional Help:

Keep skin clean and use only mild natural cosmetics that don't contain fragrances or preservatives. For boys who already need to shave, use shaving cream and aftershave products made for sensitive skin.

Refrain from wearing makeup for a few weeks and see if there is improvement.

For those with fair skin, be cautious of UV light: avoid tanning salons and the sun during peak hours.

Eat a healthy diet.

Aruna M. Siewert is a healing practitioner, having completed her extensive training and advanced medical education under the umbrella of botanical/ herbal medicine and the workings of the body. Aruna has her own daily practice and was for many years a docent at the Campus Naturalis in Berlin in the disciplines of healing practise, botanical medicine and aromatherapy. Aruna resides in Berlin, Germany.

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